After court, the Fourth Prince invited Yun Da and Fu Ci to Tianxiang Zhai for drinks.
The Fu family was the Fourth Prince’s maternal relatives, so he strongly approved of this marriage alliance.
Upon learning that Fu Ci had fallen out with Yun Da and his brothers, the Fourth Prince specifically arranged this gathering, hoping to resolve their differences over a drink.
Fu Ci refused without a second thought.
“I have other matters to attend to.”
“Cousin, you’re not planning to return to the estate, are you?”
Fu Ci made no attempt to hide it. “Is that a problem?”
He planned to return to the estate first to see Wanwan, then attend to other matters.
The Fourth Prince shook his head repeatedly. “No wonder Grandmother is so eager to arrange a marriage for you. Look at you—completely fixated on Jiang Wan. Do you even have eyes for anyone else?”
The mention of marriage arrangements irritated Fu Ci.
Because of his engagement to another woman, he felt he had no confidence when speaking or acting in front of Wanwan.
He frowned in annoyance. “If you’re just going to talk nonsense, I’ll take my leave.”
The Fourth Prince raised a hand to stop him. “Cousin, have you considered that it’s precisely because you place such importance on Jiang Wan that Grandmother is targeting her?”
Fu Ci understood the reasoning perfectly.
But now, with Jiang Wan having no one to rely on, how could he bear to distance himself from her?
Most importantly, he felt he couldn’t do it.
The woman he loved was right there in the estate, within his reach. If he were to put on an act, it would not only torment him but also hurt Wanwan.
If she were to misunderstand and think he had changed his heart, it would be even worse.
For now, Fu Ci only wanted to reconcile with Jiang Wan. Other matters could wait.
“I’m heading back.”
“Wait, I haven’t finished.”
The Fourth Prince glanced at Yun Da waiting nearby and lowered his voice. “You’ll have to marry sooner or later. Why not go along with Grandmother’s wishes? If she’s in a good mood, Jiang Wan’s life in the estate will be easier.”
“Who says I must marry?”
“Do you plan to spend your whole life with just Jiang Wan?”
“Is that not allowed?”
The Fourth Prince felt conflicted. If they were ordinary people, spending a lifetime with one woman would be natural.
But the political struggles at court were fierce. Refusing marriage alliances and failing to consolidate power were simply not options.
Unless one retired from official life, then such considerations wouldn’t matter.
“The relationship between Father Emperor and my mother has improved recently. For my mother’s sake, please avoid conflicts with the Yun family for now.”
“His Majesty’s feelings for your mother are genuine. Don’t overthink it.”
The Fourth Prince sighed. “Do you think I’m still a child? Father Emperor does care for my mother, but in his position, who knows how much of that affection is genuine?”
Fu Ci scanned their surroundings. “Keep such unnecessary talk to yourself.”
The Fourth Prince made a gesture of zipping his lips.
“Anyway, Jiang Wan is in the estate. It’s not like she’ll run away. Do me a favor and come to Tianxiang Zhai.”
Annoyed by his cousin’s words, and considering that the Emperor currently relied heavily on General Yun, it was indeed unwise to worsen relations.
Fu Ci agreed to go to Tianxiang Zhai.
Yun Da was also reluctant, but thinking of his sister’s determination to marry Fu Ci at all costs, he grudgingly accepted the Fourth Prince’s invitation.
Just as they left the palace gates, they saw the steward waiting there.
“My lord, please return to the estate at once. The Old Madam has summoned Concubine Jiang to the East Courtyard for a reprimand.”
Hearing this, Fu Ci could think of nothing else.
He immediately turned to return to the estate.
“Fu, are you trying to make a fool of us again?”
Yun Da blocked Fu Ci’s path, cursing angrily.
“This concubine of yours is truly something, getting so worked up over the slightest stir—like a frantic monkey! Once Yanran enters your household, I fear she’ll end up in a situation where the favored concubine overshadows the wife!”
The Fourth Prince tried to smooth things over. “Hearing a few reprimands won’t cost you a piece of flesh, Cousin. Don’t be so impatient.”
How could Fu Ci not be anxious?
Jiang Wan was already at odds with him. After being scolded, she would surely feel even more upset.
And she had a heart condition…
What if Grandmother spoke harshly and triggered her heart ailment?
Jiang Wan had only just recovered from her illness. If she fell sick again, Fu Ci dared not imagine the consequences.
He pushed Yun Da aside.
Ordering the carriage to be unhitched, he mounted a horse and rode straight back to the estate.
Yun Da was taken aback. He hadn’t expected Fu Ci, a civil official, to also be skilled in martial arts.
By the time he regained his senses, the man had already galloped far into the distance.
“Your Highness, it’s not that I’m disrespecting you. You saw it yourself—Lord Fu is entirely preoccupied with that concubine of his. How could he possibly care about this marriage alliance? If you ask me, it’s better to call it off. My sister Yanran deserves better than him!”
“My cousin and Jiang Wan were once betrothed. Now, he simply pities her for having no one to rely on, so he pays her a bit more attention. Please don’t take offense, General Yun.”
“A bit more attention? It’s more like he’s afraid she’ll shatter if held in his hands and melt if kept in his mouth!”
The Fourth Prince laughed. “That only proves my cousin is a man of deep loyalty and affection. When your sister marries him in the future, she’ll surely receive the same treatment.”
Yun Da was straightforward and single-minded.
He was actually swayed a little by the Fourth Prince’s words.
He had heard a bit about the history between Fu Ci and his concubine.
If Fu Ci were to abandon Jiang Wan now, it would indeed seem heartless and ungrateful.
Seeing Yun Da soften, the Fourth Prince said, “Come on, let’s go. Since my cousin isn’t here, we’ll drink on our own. We can even swing by your estate and invite your second and third brothers along.”
“Alright then.”
Fu Ci galloped back to the estate.
Handing the reins to the gatekeeper, he hurried toward the eastern courtyard.
The matron guarding the courtyard entrance widened her eyes at the sight of Fu Ci, seemingly surprised to see him return at this hour.
She quickly bowed in greeting.
Seeing the fearful expressions on the maids and matrons, Fu Ci’s heart sank like a stone.
“Old Madam, the master has returned.”
Before the maid finished announcing him, Fu Ci had already stepped inside.
The scene before him made his eyes burn with fury.
“Wanwan!”